JOLA Volume 1, Number 1, March 1968

Feature Articles

Computer Based Acquisitions System at Texas A&I University (p.1-12)NED C. MORRIS

In September 1966, a system was initiated at the University which provides for the use of automatically produced multiple orders and for the use of change cards to update order information on previously placed orders already on disk storage. The system is geared to an IBM 1620 Central Processing Unit (40K) which has processed a total of 10,222 order transactions the first year. It is believed that the system will lend itself to further development within its existing framework and that it will be capable of handling future work loads.

A Book Catalog at Stanford (p.13-50)
RICHARD D. JOHNSON

Description of a system for the production of a book catalog for an undergraduate library, using an IBM 1401 Computer (12K storage, 4 tape drives), an expanded print chain on the 1403 Printer, and an 029 Card Punch for input. Described are the conversion of cataloging information into machine readable form, the machine record produced, the computer programs employed, and printing of the catalog. The catalog, issued annually, is in three parts: an author & title catalog, a subject catalog, and a shelf list. Cumulative supplements are issued quarterly. A central idea in the depiction of entries in the catalog is the abandonment of the main entry concept. The alphabetical arrangement of entries is discussed: sort keys employed, filing order observed, symbols employed to alter this order, and problems encountered. Cost factors involved in the preparation of the catalog are summarized.

Brown University Library Fund Accounting System (p.51-65)
ROBERT WEDGEWORTH

The computer-based acquisitions procedures which have been developed at the Library provide more efficient and more effective control over fund accounting and the maintenance of an outstanding order file. The system illustrates an economical, yet highly flexible, approach to automated acquisitions procedures in a university library.

A study at Michigan State University Library compared costs of three different methods of conversion: keypunching, paper-tape typewriting, and optical scanning by a service bureau. The record converted included call number, copy number, first 39 letters of the author's name, first 43 letters of the title, and date of publication. Source documents were all of the shelf list cards at the Library. The end products were a master book tape of the library collections and a machine readable book card for each volume to be used in an automated circulation system.

The Development and Administration of Automated Systems in Academic Libraries (p.75-91)
RICHARD DE GENNARO

The first part of this paper considers three general approaches to the development of an automation program in a large research library. The library may decide simply to wait for developments; it may attempt to develop a total or integrated system from the start; or it may adopt an evolutionary approach leading to an integrated system. Outside consultants, it is suggested, will become increasingly important. The second part of the paper deals with important elements in any program regardless of the approach. These include the building of a capability to do automation work, staffing, equipment, organizational structure, selection of projects, and costs.